BOTOX®

Do your facial wrinkles make you feel older than you are? Botox® injections can help make those lines and wrinkles less obvious and improve your self-confidence. Jacksonville & Ponte Vedra Beach, FL dermatologist, shares some information about the popular cosmetic treatment.

Frown lines are the result of squinting eyebrows into a fold. These unattractive folds and furrows are caused by the repeated action of underlying muscles. Years of squinting and frowning tend to leave deep wrinkles in the skin between the eyebrows and on the bridge of the nose, across the forehead, and at the corners of the eyes. Frown lines may produce an angry look that can detract from a pleasant facial appearance.

Dermatologic surgeons can now soften these wrinkles and lines by a simple injection of botulinum toxin.

Botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX®) is a purified substance derived from a bacteria that blocks the nerve signals from the brain to the muscle. By injecting very tiny amounts into a specific facial muscle, only the impulse of that muscle will be blocked, causing a local relaxation and weakness. Botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX®) has been used since 1980 to treat many muscle disorders, such as lazy eye, and uncontrolled blinking. It was developed for cosmetic use by dermatologic surgeons 1987. The FDA has granted approval to botulinum toxin type A (BOTOX® COSMETIC) for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar vertical lines in adult men and women 65 or younger.

What is Botox®?

Botox® comes from the a toxin that is produced by the Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Although injecting a toxin into your face might sound a little risky, the toxin is purified before it's injected and is extremely safe. Botox® works by temporarily relaxing the muscles in your face. When you receive an injection, the impulses that instruct your muscles to contract are blocked, which helps smooth out wrinkles in the skin above the muscles.

How do dermatologists use Botox®?

Botox® is useful in treating a variety of cosmetic issues, including:

Vertical lines that look like the number "11" between your eyes

Horizontal forehead lines

Crow's feet

The toxin is also used to treat a number of medical conditions, such as:

Severe underarm sweating

Chronic migraines

Overactive bladder

Eyelid spasms

Where Is Botox Usually Performed?

Botox is usually applied to wrinkle-friendly areas of the face, including:

How Does Botox Work?

What Is a Botox Procedure Like?

Having a Botox injection is fast, requiring only a few minutes and no anesthesia. Botox is placed into your muscles with a very fine needle, oftentimes pain-free.

Botox typically needs between three and seven days before you begin to see its effects on your skin. Remembering to cease aspirin and anti-inflammatory medication consumption a full two weeks prior to treatment can help reduce bruising on the injected muscles.

What happens during my Botox® appointment?

Your Jacksonville & Ponte Vedra Beach, FL skin doctor will evaluate the condition of your skin, discuss your concerns and answer any questions you may have about Botox® treatment. Once treatment areas have been identified, he or she will inject Botox® into the facial muscles. In just a few minutes, you'll be free to carry on with the rest of your day. It usually takes a little time to notice the full effect of treatment, but in a week to 10 days, the treated areas will begin to look less wrinkled.

Is Botox® a long-lasting treatment?

You can generally expect your skin to remain smoother for approximately three to six months after you receive Botox® treatment. If you don't continue to receive injections, the effect of the toxin will eventually wear off, and your wrinkles will reappear. Scheduling regular appointments will help you enjoy the full benefits of this innovative cosmetic treatment.